The First Noel

The First Noel, the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the East beyond them far
And to the earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night.

And by the light of that same star
Three Wise men came from country far
To seek for a King was their intent
And to follow the star wherever it went.

This star drew nigh to the northwest
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest
And there it did both stop and stay
Right o'er the place where Jesus lay.

Then entered in those wise men three
Full reverently upon their knee
And offered there in His presence
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.

Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
That hath made heaven and earth of nought
And with his blood mankind has bought.


Like so many other Christmas songs “The First Noel” has mysterious beginnings in either France or England. The First Noel is one of the few surviving early Christmas standards that can genuinely be earmarked as a folk song. It was written by and for the peasants hundreds of years ago.

In England, The First Noel was sung each year by many peasants as they lit the Yule log. Therefore, this became the song that started the entire Christmas season, the twelve days of Christmas. Especially for children, this carol meant the beginning of the most wonderful time of the year.

The First Noel finally was published by William Sandys in 1833. A lawyer by trade, Sandys loved music and spent his spare time collecting both French and English folk songs. Already a favorite with the peasant class, when the Church of England began to use new songs during services in the mid–1800s, The First Noel found universal acclaim.

Our modern English word Noel (also written Noël and Nowell) comes from the Middle English nowel, which Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defined as “a shout of joy or Christmas song.”